Days Until The First Oilers Game: 3 – Al Hamilton

Today’s Player: Al Hamilton, he’s that guy^. What an outstanding mop. Probably gave Gordie Howe a good chop to the teeth 0.5 seconds after that picture was taken. The WHA, baby.

Career Oilers Stats:

GP

G

A

P

PIM

P/M

31

4

15

19

20

-2

Career Oilers WHA Stats:

GP

G

A

P

PIM

P/M

455

53

258

311

492

24

Why We Liked Him:

I’m not going to sit here and act like I know anything about Al Hamilton. His last NHL season came 11 years before I was born. Here’s what I know about him:

One helluva WHA defenseman

Good Canadian kid from Flin Flon, Manitoba

Unreal salad in his prime

He was the first captain in franchise history

His number is up there with Gretzky, Moose, Kurri, Coffey, Andy, Fuhr and Rod Phillips

He didn’t have a chance to whoop a Flame into his place because he never played because he retired before they even existed, but I know he would have if given the chance.

Why We Didn’t Like Him:

I can’t even pretend like I have anything against him.

Where Is He Now?

Being all retired and shit living in the greatest city on the planet (Edmonton) working for the Oilers alumni. He’s 69-years-old and I’ve never seen him play hockey but I’d be willing to bet he could still skate circles around Andrew Ference.